Game Time: 'Madden NFL 12' and 'Bodycount'

With over two decades of evolution, it's hard to imagine what improvements EA Sports could possibly add to its long-running Madden franchise. Since the sport itself -- and by default, the gameplay -- has never really changed, the game must begin to include a deeper look at football, from its traditions and presentation to the behind-the-scenes management and team development.

This year's gridiron offering features a variety of minor changes and some pleasant additions that fans have been clamoring for. "Madden NFL 12" is bringing the best animations and graphics to date, giving the game a more realistic feel. From the team run-outs and mascots to the uniforms and helmets that wear down and get dirtier throughout the game, the attention to visual details will have you confusing the game for the real thing. For those of you who enjoy building your own athlete, more control has been given to your character's growth as you add points to your statistics through both practice and games. Franchise fanatics have also been given a few new perks to help them build their newly created teams, which include free-agent bidding and rookie scouting.

Thanks to these recent additions, coupled with EA Sports' never-fail gameplay, it looks as if we'll be treated to a bit more of the same this year, but in a much nicer package.

I could spend a minute or two discussing the plot and setting of "Bodycount," but that's not what this game is all about. Codemaster's latest creation is a bullet-flinging chaos-fest that will have you wielding a variety of hand cannons in an effort to dispatch a bevy of enemies known simply as "Targets." While most shooters would be content with sending enemies to the great beyond en masse, this game makes things a bit more creative by making the environment as destructible as your fragile flesh. If the bad guys are taking shelter in a house, just blow it up. If they hide behind a pillar, blow it up. And if they try to find sanctuary behind a brick wall -- you guessed it -- blow it up.

Amid the chaos born from "Bodycount," gamers will find exactly what they've been looking for: fast-paced fun and endless explosions fueled by a solid gameplay engine and crisp graphics.